Open ECU EPS System, preliminary design using a Hardware-in-the-loop approach

Abstract

The introduction of mechatronic systems in vehicles opens the possibility to a wide range of vehicle functionality. These systems allow active control of vehicle enabling a new level of driving comfort and safety. The development of these complex technological systems, however, requires a long time to integrate mechanical, electrical and software components. Innovative development strategies and devices are hence crucial to accelerate the integration and deployment of these mechatronic systems. In order to fulfil these needs, this paper presents the process to size a development electronic power steering which aims to support vehicle industry during testing and validation of innovative steering-based control strategies, including autonomous driving, steer-by-wire and all-wheel steering applications. Using an hardware-in-the-loop test bench for a wide range of vehicle maneuvers a stock power steering unit has been characterized taking into account both driver and assistance motor torque contributions.